Every summer, Portugal comes alive with countless summer festivals, catering to every musical taste. Whether you want to dance to chart-topping pop anthems, lose yourself in soulful jazz, or dive into the depths of alternative sounds, there’s surely a festival where you’ll fit right in. In this guide, we break down the best summer festivals in Portugal by genre so everyone can find the perfect soundtrack for their summer adventure.
01 | Pop
01.1 | NOS Alive
Probably the most popular Portuguese festival worldwide, NOS Alive always has killer line-ups with renowned musicians like Pearl Jam, Alt-J, Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Florence & The Machine, and many, many more. It’s mainly focused on pop bands and artists, but has several stages catering to different genres. From more indie collectives to electronic music DJs and bands with millions of fans, there’s something for everyone at this festival. It takes place every year in Algés in mid-July, a highlight among summer festivals in Portugal.
01.2 | Marés Vivas
It’s the largest music festival in the north of Portugal, and besides bringing some relevant names, Marés Vivas also welcomes national artists, allowing music lovers the chance to discover new artists. The line-up is usually distributed by genre, so crowds change depending on the line-up, with older generations on one day, and younger ones on others. The festival takes place in July, in Vila Nova de Gaia, and it’s one of the most beloved summer festivals in Portugal for pop fans.
02 | Alternative
02.1 | Vilar de Mouros
Located in the north of Portugal, close to Caminha, only an hour away from Porto, the town of Vilar de Mouros gives the name to one of the oldest summer festivals in Portugal. It started in 1965 as a place of convergence for folklore music and dance, later including fado and other traditional genres – the 1971 edition was even coined as the Portuguese Woodstock for its vibe. Vilar de Mouros now invites national and international artists for a weekend of alternative music, and a laid-back vibe where people camp, bathe in the lake, and listen to music outdoors. Previous editions included bands like Incubus, The Cult and Crystal Fighters.
02.2 | Paredes de Coura
Nestled in a picturesque natural amphitheater along the Taboão River, Paredes de Coura is one of Portugal’s most beloved summer festivals, happening in August. Known for its indie and alternative music focus, it has a loyal following drawn by its laid-back atmosphere and impressive lineups. Attendees can enjoy performances by international and local artists by the river, creating a unique blend of music and nature.
02.3 | FMM Sines
Músicas do Mundo Festival found its home in the beautiful coastal town of Sines. Winner of two Iberian Festival Awards, it’s ideal for those looking for a relaxed environment filled with chill music and vibes. As the name indicates, it’s a festival that combines music from all around the world with bands from Iran, Spain, France, Turkey, Italy, and Colombia. In July, Sines transforms into the capital of World Music. If you’re a music fan, enjoy going to the beach, and meeting new bands, this might just be your kind of jam – another treasure among summer festivals in Portugal.
03 | Jazz
03.1 | Ageas Cool Jazz
Jazz and blues enthusiasts wait all year long for Cool Jazz, a festival taking place in Cascais, and featuring huge jazz names. Previous editions included Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, David Byrne, and Norah Jones. The festival takes place on different weekends in July. With concerts held in open-air venues, Cool Jazz offers a perfect summer evening experience for music lovers seeking a laid-back vibe in one of the most elegant summer festivals in Portugal.
03.2 | Jazz in August
This is yet another summer music festival taking place in the heart of the capital. Jazz in August is organized and held at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s open-air amphitheater and auditoriums. It happens in August, which is perfect for those who enjoy warm weather and the outdoors. Founded in 1984, Jazz in August features renowned artists, as well as new talents such as James Brandon Lewis, Red Lily, and Sound of Serendipity, among others.
03.3 | Outjazz
Out Jazz brings music to the heart of Lisbon with its free, open-air concerts held in the city’s parks and gardens. Taking place from May to September, this festival mixes jazz, funk, soul, and electronic music in a relaxed, picnic-friendly atmosphere. Each Sunday, a different location hosts the event, encouraging locals and visitors to explore the city while enjoying live music in a relaxed, social setting. It’s one of the most accessible and spontaneous summer festivals in Portugal.
03.4 | Loulé Jazz
Casa da Cultura, in Loulé, has been organizing this festival since 1995. It’s perfect for jazz lovers who are either vacationing in the Algarve or simply looking for something cool to do at the end of July. Loulé Jazz is curated by Portuguese musician Mário Laginha and the concerts take place at several locations around the city, namely the Loulé Castle, boasting a beautiful view of the city.
